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Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable